I used to regularly use this auction for my inventory, but I’ve had multiple disappointing experiences.
On several occasions, vehicles that had reached my flooring were later unavailable because I was told the seller had sold the vehicle and forgot to remove it from the auction. In one instance, I was given a buy credit as compensation.
My most recent experience was even more frustrating. I purchased a vehicle through Simulcast and watched the auctioneer announce the hammer drop and say, “Thank you, Michael.” I then clicked into another lane to continue purchasing vehicles. When I finished and went back to check out the vehicle I had purchased, the vehicle was no longer there.
I contacted my representative and was told that the auction had been extended for a live bidder.
Based on my experiences, I feel that this auction does not provide independent buyers with the same level of consideration as franchise sellers. I am extremely disappointed with how these situations have been handled.
This auction used to be ABS in Southern California, but since the transition to eBlock, my experience has been that the quality and selection of inventory has declined significantly. In my opinion, it has become more of a “leftovers” auction, with very few vehicles receiving a CR above 3.2.
Independent buyers should be aware of these experiences before deciding where to purchase their inventory.
I had a disagreement with ACV for over 2 years. I had a representative call me and everything is good now. They really stepped up and made me feel that my business really matters to them.
Thank you for reaching out to share your concerns. We understand that discovering a removed emissions system is a serious situation, and we appreciate the opportunity to address your experience regarding the arbitration outcome, the ACH stop payment, and your current account status.
To provide clear context on how this situation was handled, we’d like to outline the policies and procedures involved:
Emissions Policy & Federal Guidelines: Under our arbitration guidelines, coverage for missing, altered, or deleted emissions systems is tied directly to the standard 8-year / 80,000-mile emissions threshold. Because this vehicle was sold at 124,871 miles, it fell outside the eligible coverage window for an emissions-based arbitration claim, leading to the formal denial.
Payment Terms & Account Status: When an arbitration claim is denied, the original purchase agreement remains binding. Halting an ACH payment or stopping funds independently is a violation of the OPENLANE Terms and Conditions. When a buyer stops payment on a completed transaction, it triggers automated security and risk management protocols—including account restrictions (such as KO status) and administrative/unwinding fees associated with taking possession of the vehicle.
Vehicle Disposition & Fees: The $5,565 balance reflects the costs incurred from the stopped payment, processing, and unwind procedures required when funds are withheld outside of the formal arbitration process. A unwound transaction resulting from a stopped payment cannot simply be pushed back to the seller without adherence to arbitration rules.
We recognize that dealing with post-sale vehicle conditions can be challenging, especially on high-dollar purchases. However, our arbitration policies and payment rules exist to maintain a fair, consistent marketplace for both buyers and sellers. -Openlane
Purchased a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD Duramax with 124K miles. The vehicle was listed with all check marks guaranteed, and I paid $30,000.
After picking up the vehicle, I had it inspected at my shop and discovered that the emissions system had been deleted. I submitted an arbitration claim and was told the vehicle had to be 8 years old or newer and have less than 80,000 miles for the issue to qualify. The case was closed.
I questioned why the vehicle showed as guaranteed on the screen when I purchased it. I was told that the applicable restrictions were contained in the fine print.
I stopped payment on the ACH, and OpenLane subsequently took possession of the truck. I also returned the title. I was then informed that I was being placed on KO status for auction insurance and that I owed $5,565.
My concern is that the vehicle was sold with the emissions system removed, yet I was left responsible for the resulting financial consequences. I believe the vehicle should have been returned to the seller rather than leaving the buyer responsible for the issue.
I also believe there is a significant concern when a buyer’s auction access can be restricted over an amount the auction claims is owed.
This experience has been extremely frustrating. Buyers should carefully review the auction’s guarantees, eligibility requirements, and applicable terms before purchasing a vehicle.
OPENLANE is the worst of the worst. Buyers beware, do your homework, and carefully review the terms and other dealer experiences before purchasing.
Have had nothing but success with Dealer Club, as a newer, small independent dealer the platform has been a game changer for me.
Ease of listing and selling is the best part!
Given my size and volume, my rep Fran is a great asset, always helping when I need to find something or there for support when looking for help on the sell side.
I have not had to open an arb yet on the buy side, but unfortunately have had them opened against me for things I have missed, honest misses – and the process was VERY fair and resolved easily.
Looking forward to buying \ selling and growing with the DC team..
Thank you for sharing this feedback. We take all concerns regarding the integrity and honesty of our operations—including our arbitration processes—incredibly seriously.
Because the situation mentioned occurred in 2021, the significant passage of time limits our ability to fully investigate the specific details of what transpired. However, we want to assure you that we continuously review and refine our procedures to ensure fairness, transparency, and accountability for all parties involved.
-Openlane
I used to regularly use this auction for my inventory, but I’ve had multiple disappointing experiences.
On several occasions, vehicles that had reached my flooring were later unavailable because I was told the seller had sold the vehicle and forgot to remove it from the auction. In one instance, I was given a buy credit as compensation.
My most recent experience was even more frustrating. I purchased a vehicle through Simulcast and watched the auctioneer announce the hammer drop and say, “Thank you, Michael.” I then clicked into another lane to continue purchasing vehicles. When I finished and went back to check out the vehicle I had purchased, the vehicle was no longer there.
I contacted my representative and was told that the auction had been extended for a live bidder.
Based on my experiences, I feel that this auction does not provide independent buyers with the same level of consideration as franchise sellers. I am extremely disappointed with how these situations have been handled.
This auction used to be ABS in Southern California, but since the transition to eBlock, my experience has been that the quality and selection of inventory has declined significantly. In my opinion, it has become more of a “leftovers” auction, with very few vehicles receiving a CR above 3.2.
Independent buyers should be aware of these experiences before deciding where to purchase their inventory.
I had a disagreement with ACV for over 2 years. I had a representative call me and everything is good now. They really stepped up and made me feel that my business really matters to them.
Thank you for reaching out to share your concerns. We understand that discovering a removed emissions system is a serious situation, and we appreciate the opportunity to address your experience regarding the arbitration outcome, the ACH stop payment, and your current account status.
To provide clear context on how this situation was handled, we’d like to outline the policies and procedures involved:
Emissions Policy & Federal Guidelines: Under our arbitration guidelines, coverage for missing, altered, or deleted emissions systems is tied directly to the standard 8-year / 80,000-mile emissions threshold. Because this vehicle was sold at 124,871 miles, it fell outside the eligible coverage window for an emissions-based arbitration claim, leading to the formal denial.
Payment Terms & Account Status: When an arbitration claim is denied, the original purchase agreement remains binding. Halting an ACH payment or stopping funds independently is a violation of the OPENLANE Terms and Conditions. When a buyer stops payment on a completed transaction, it triggers automated security and risk management protocols—including account restrictions (such as KO status) and administrative/unwinding fees associated with taking possession of the vehicle.
Vehicle Disposition & Fees: The $5,565 balance reflects the costs incurred from the stopped payment, processing, and unwind procedures required when funds are withheld outside of the formal arbitration process. A unwound transaction resulting from a stopped payment cannot simply be pushed back to the seller without adherence to arbitration rules.
We recognize that dealing with post-sale vehicle conditions can be challenging, especially on high-dollar purchases. However, our arbitration policies and payment rules exist to maintain a fair, consistent marketplace for both buyers and sellers. -Openlane
Purchased a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD Duramax with 124K miles. The vehicle was listed with all check marks guaranteed, and I paid $30,000.
After picking up the vehicle, I had it inspected at my shop and discovered that the emissions system had been deleted. I submitted an arbitration claim and was told the vehicle had to be 8 years old or newer and have less than 80,000 miles for the issue to qualify. The case was closed.
I questioned why the vehicle showed as guaranteed on the screen when I purchased it. I was told that the applicable restrictions were contained in the fine print.
I stopped payment on the ACH, and OpenLane subsequently took possession of the truck. I also returned the title. I was then informed that I was being placed on KO status for auction insurance and that I owed $5,565.
My concern is that the vehicle was sold with the emissions system removed, yet I was left responsible for the resulting financial consequences. I believe the vehicle should have been returned to the seller rather than leaving the buyer responsible for the issue.
I also believe there is a significant concern when a buyer’s auction access can be restricted over an amount the auction claims is owed.
This experience has been extremely frustrating. Buyers should carefully review the auction’s guarantees, eligibility requirements, and applicable terms before purchasing a vehicle.
OPENLANE is the worst of the worst. Buyers beware, do your homework, and carefully review the terms and other dealer experiences before purchasing.
Have had nothing but success with Dealer Club, as a newer, small independent dealer the platform has been a game changer for me.
Ease of listing and selling is the best part!
Given my size and volume, my rep Fran is a great asset, always helping when I need to find something or there for support when looking for help on the sell side.
I have not had to open an arb yet on the buy side, but unfortunately have had them opened against me for things I have missed, honest misses – and the process was VERY fair and resolved easily.
Looking forward to buying \ selling and growing with the DC team..
Great platform to buy and sell. Serena is amazing to work with!
Thank you for sharing this feedback. We take all concerns regarding the integrity and honesty of our operations—including our arbitration processes—incredibly seriously.
Because the situation mentioned occurred in 2021, the significant passage of time limits our ability to fully investigate the specific details of what transpired. However, we want to assure you that we continuously review and refine our procedures to ensure fairness, transparency, and accountability for all parties involved.
-Openlane